The Give Directly initiative has reshaped my understanding of money management and generation. Through the program, I've gained knowledge, expanded my network, and seized numerous opportunities that have put me on the path to launching a grocery business in my local market this year. While it's still a work in progress, I'm driven and optimistic about bringing it to fruition.

Give Directly stands out for its fair distribution of cash across the village, sidestepping any potential favoritism or prejudice. This method has notably empowered diverse segments of the population, from the youth and women to those unfamiliar with handling household budgets. The uncomplicated nature of the cash transfer system has also inspired numerous villagers to chase their business dreams and fulfill their financial goals.

Upon receiving my second transfer from Give Directly, I was filled with immense joy and gratitude, knowing that it would significantly improve my family's living conditions. Our previous home was aged, cramped, and on the brink of collapse, posing a safety threat to my family. With $300, I constructed a safer, two-roomed house, suitable for our three-member family. Additionally, as a first step towards investing, I spent $105 to purchase three goats. The remaining funds were used to secure enough food to sustain my family for an extended period.

I was on the farm doing my work when I received a message notification. I paused a little to check on it, and I was so happy to see the Mpesa balance. Immediately I remembered my business, which I had closed down for a while because of financial constraints.

One could not fail to identify how the children are living a happy life full of energy and enthusiasm. They can be seen herding cows and goats around, which was not the case a few months ago when they would go from one house to another looking for food because we, the parents, failed to provide. They had no energy to run around looking after the livestock or even engage in any vigorous activity like assisting on the farm. We appreciate the overwhelming feeling that GiveDirectly has directly brought back into our lives.

Immediately I received the transfers, I went to buy stock for my business that I had but was closed down due to lack of finances to add on stock after selling most of the foodstuffs on loan to the people of the community, which later became difficult for them to pay having to know the struggles that they go through each and every day to put food on the table. Putting back the business took me $30, and as of now things are running well for us. Our children are happy now that they get three meals per day, which was a long story since drought hit our area and we could not even plant anything on the farm because there was no rain and scorching sun, which dried up the soil to an extent where no water could be retained in it. Another thing that was disturbing me was the state of my house. My house is standing on a rocky hill where the wind blows so strongly, and it has been falling bit by bit. My worry was that it might fall down fully, leaving us homeless. So without wasting any time, I accumulated all the materials needed to build another house and called the person who will be doing the construction, and all this took me $25. Right now, our house has been completed, and we are living happily. GiveDirectly came in so timely, just when I thought we would lose everything and end up being homeless.